Process and intermediate compounds useful in the preparation of statins

ABSTRACT

There is provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula ( 7 ): wherein R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; provides that R is not a compound of Formula (a): wherein R a  represents an alkyl group, such as a C 1-16  alkyl group, and preferably an isopropyl group; R b  represents an aryl group, preferably a 4-fluorophenyl group; R c  represents hydrogen, a protecting group or an alkyl group, such as a C 1-16  alkyl group, and preferably a methyl group; and Rd represents hydrogen, a protecting group or a SO 2 R e  group where R e  is an alkyl group, such as a C 1-16  alkyl group, and preferably a methyl group.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/599,606, filed on Aug. 30, 2012, now allowed, which is acontinuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/721,858, filedon Jun. 23, 2009, issued on Oct. 2, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,278,467,which claims priority to and is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national stageapplication of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2005/004541, filed on Nov. 28,2005, which claims priority from Great Britain Application No.0427491.6, filed on Dec. 16, 2004, the disclosures and content of eachof which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The present invention concerns a process and intermediate compoundsuseful in the preparation of statins.

According to the present invention there is provide a process for thepreparation of a compound of formula (7):

wherein

-   -   R is a an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group or an        optionally substituted heterocyclic group;    -   provided that R is not a compound of Formula (a):

wherein

-   -   R^(a) represents an alkyl group, such as a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and        preferably an isopropyl group;    -   R^(b) represents an aryl group, preferably a 4-fluorophenyl        group;    -   R^(c) represents hydrogen, a protecting group or an alkyl group,        such as a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, and preferably a methyl group; and    -   R^(d) represents hydrogen, a protecting group or a SO₂R^(e)        group where R^(e) is an alkyl group, such as a C₁₋₆ alkyl group,        and preferably a methyl group,        which comprises        a) hydroxylating a compound of formula (1):

-   -   wherein Y represents a halo group, preferably Cl or Br; P¹        represents hydrogen or a protecting group, and W represents ═O        or —OP², in which P² represents hydrogen or a protecting group,        to give a compound of formula (2):

b) oxidising the compound of formula (2) to give a compound of formula(3):

c) coupling the compound of formula (3) with a compound of formula (4):

-   -   wherein Z represents (PR¹¹R¹²)⁺X⁻ or P(═O)R¹¹R¹² in which X is        an anion and R¹¹ and R¹² each independently is an alkyl, aryl,        alkoxy or aryloxy group, preferably a phenyl group,        to give a compound of formula (5):

d) when W represents —OP², removing any P² protecting group andoxidising the compound of formula (5) to give a compound of formula (6):

ande) subjecting the compound of formula (5) when W represents ═O, orcompound of formula (6) to ring-opening, removal of any P¹ protectinggroups, and optionally removing any additional protecting groups to givea compound of formula (7).

In step (e), any P¹ protecting groups and any additional protectinggroups may be removed individually or together and prior to ringopening, during ring opening or after ring opening of the compounds offormula (5) or (6).

Preferably, there is provided a process for the preparation of acompound of formula (7):

wherein

-   -   R is a group selected from

and wherein

-   -   R¹ represents hydrogen, a protecting group or an optionally        substituted hydrocarbyl group, preferably an alkyl group, such        as a C₁₋₆ alkyl group;    -   R² represents an optionally substituted acyl group, preferably        an alkanoyl group, such as C₁₋₈alkanoyl group, and preferably a        —C(O)CH(Me)CH₂CH₃ or —C(O)C(Me)₂CH₂CH₃ group;    -   R³ represents an optionally substituted acyl group, preferably        an alkanoyl group, such as C₁₋₈alkanoyl group, and preferably a        —C(O)CH(Me)CH₂CH₃ or —C(O)C(Me)₂CH₂CH₃ group;    -   R⁴ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group,        preferably an optionally substituted aryl group, more preferably        a 4-fluorophenyl group;    -   R⁵ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group,        preferably an optionally substituted alkyl group, such as a C₁₋₆        alkyl group, and more preferably a cyclopropyl group;    -   R⁶ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group,        preferably an optionally substituted aryl group, more preferably        a 4-fluorophenyl group;    -   R⁷ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group,        preferably an optionally substituted alkyl group, such as a C₁₋₆        alkyl group, and more preferably an isopropyl group;    -   R⁸ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group, or        optionally substituted heterocyclic group, preferably an        optionally substituted aryl or an optionally substituted        aromatic heterocyclic group, more preferably a methyltetrazoyl        group;    -   R⁹ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group,        preferably an optionally substituted aryl group, more preferably        a 4-fluorophenyl group;    -   R¹⁰ represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group,        preferably an optionally substituted aryl group, more preferably        a 4-fluorophenyl group,        which comprises        a) hydroxylating a compound of formula (1):

-   -   wherein Y represents a halo group, preferably Cl or Br; P¹        represents hydrogen or a protecting group, and W represents ═O        or —OP², in which P² represents hydrogen or a protecting group,        to give a compound of formula (2):

b) oxidising the compound of formula (2) to give a compound of formula(3):

c) coupling the compound of formula (3) with a compound of formula (4):

-   -   wherein Z represents (PR¹¹R¹²)⁺X⁻ or P(═O)R¹¹R¹² in which X is        an anion and R¹¹ and R¹² each independently is an alkyl, aryl,        alkoxy or aryloxy group, preferably a phenyl group,        to give a compound of formula (5):

d) when W represents —OP², removing any P² protecting group andoxidising the compound of formula (5) to give a compound of formula (6):

ande) subjecting the compound of formula (5) when W represents ═O, orcompound of formula (6) to ring-opening, removal of any P¹ protectinggroups, and optionally removing any additional protecting groups to givea compound of formula (7).

In step (e), any P¹ protecting groups and any additional protectinggroups may be removed individually or together and prior to ringopening, during ring opening or after ring opening of the compounds offormula (5) or (6).

Further, compounds of formula (8):

wherein R is as defined above for R⁷,

may be obtained by reduction of a compound of Formula (7) or,alternatively

a compound of Formula (5) or (6) may be reduced to a correspondingcompound of Formula (9) or (10).

and then the compound of formula (9) when W represents —OP² may beconverted to a compound of formula (10) by removing any P² protectinggroup and oxidising the compound of formula (9) to give a compound offormula (10), and then the compound of formula (9), when W represents═O, or a compound of formula (10) may be ring-opened, any P¹ protectinggroups, and optionally removing any additional protecting groups to givea compound of formula (8). Any P¹ protecting groups and any additionalprotecting groups may be removed individually or together and prior toring opening, during ring opening or after ring opening of the compoundsof formula (9) or (10).

Protecting groups which may be represented by P¹ and P² include alcoholprotecting groups, examples of which are well known in the art.Particular examples include tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl and methyl groups.Preferred protecting groups are silyl groups, for example triaryl- andespecially trialkylsilyl groups. Especially preferred examples aretrimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl and t-butyldiphenyl groups.

Protecting groups which may be represented by P¹ and P² may be the sameor different. When the protecting groups P¹ and P² are different,advantageously this may allow for the selective removal of only P¹ orP². Preferably, when the protecting groups P¹ and P² are different, P¹is a silyl group and P² is a methyl group.

Protecting groups which may be represented by R¹ include alcoholprotecting groups, examples of which are well known in the art.

Protecting groups which may be represented by R^(c) and R^(d) includeamine protecting groups, examples of which are well known in the art.Particular examples include benzyl groups, carbamates (such as CBZ, Boc,Fmoc), phosphate, thiophosphate, silyl groups and, when R^(c) and R^(d)together are a single protecting group, an imine group.

Hydrocarbyl groups which may be represented by R, R¹ and R³independently include alkyl, alkenyl and aryl groups, and anycombination thereof, such as aralkyl and alkaryl, for example benzylgroups.

Alkyl groups which may be represented by R, R^(a), R^(c), R^(d), R¹ andR⁴⁻¹⁰ include linear and branched alkyl groups comprising up to 20carbon atoms, particularly from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and preferably from1 to 5 carbon atoms. When the alkyl groups are branched, the groupsoften comprising up to 10 branch chain carbon atoms, preferably up to 4branch chain atoms. In certain embodiments, the alkyl group may becyclic, commonly comprising from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the largestring and optionally featuring one or more bridging rings. Examples ofalkyl groups which may be represented by R, R^(a), R^(c), R^(d), R¹ andR⁴⁻¹⁰ include methyl, ethyl, propyl, 2-propyl, butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyland cyclohexyl groups.

Alkenyl groups which may be represented by R, R¹ and R⁴⁻¹⁰ includeC₂₋₂₀, and preferably C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups. One or more carbon-carbondouble bonds may be present. The alkenyl group may carry one or moresubstituents, particularly phenyl substituents. Examples of alkenylgroups include vinyl, styryl and indenyl groups.

Aryl groups which may be represented by R, R^(b), R¹ and R⁴⁻¹⁰ maycontain 1 ring or 2 or more fused rings which may include cycloalkyl,aryl or heterocyclic rings. Examples of aryl groups which may berepresented by R¹, R^(b) and R⁴⁻¹⁰ include phenyl, tolyl, fluorophenyl,chlorophenyl, bromophenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, anisyl, naphthyl andferrocenyl groups.

Heterocyclic groups which may be represented by R, R¹ and R⁴⁻¹⁰independently include aromatic, saturated and partially unsaturated ringsystems and may constitute 1 ring or 2 or more fused rings which mayinclude cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic rings. The heterocyclic groupwill contain at least one heterocyclic ring, the largest of which willcommonly comprise from 3 to 7 ring atoms in which at least one atom iscarbon and at least one atom is any of N, O, S or P. When any of R, R¹or R⁴⁻¹⁰ represents or comprises a heterocyclic group, preferablyattachment is provided through a carbon atom in the R, R¹ or R⁴⁻¹⁰group. Examples of heterocyclic groups which may be represented by R, R¹and R⁴⁻¹⁰ include pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, thiophenyl, furanyl,indolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, imidazoyl, triazoyl and tetrazoylgroups.

When any of R, R¹ and R⁴⁻¹⁰ is a substituted hydrocarbyl group, thesubstituent(s) should be such so as not to adversely affect the rate orselectivity of any of the reaction steps or the overall process.Optional substituents include halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, amino,thiol, acyl, hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, hydrocarbyloxy, mono ordi-hydrocarbylamino, hydrocarbylthio, esters, carbamates, carbonates,amides, sulphonyl and sulphonamido groups wherein the hydrocarbyl groupsare as defined for R¹ above. One or more substituents may be present.Examples of R¹ and R⁴⁻¹⁰ groups having more than one substituent presentinclude —CF₃ and —C₂F₅.

Hydroxylation of compounds of formula (1) can be achieved by methodsknown in the art for displacing a halo group with a hydroxide source.Preferably, the process comprises contacting the compound of formula (1)with a source of hydroxide. Hydroxide sources include hydroxide salts,especially ammonium or alkali metal hydroxides, particularly lithium,sodium or potassium hydroxide, and various aqueous media such as waterin the presence of basic media such as N-methylpryrrolidinone, HMPA,Al₂O₃, CaCO₃, Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃ or KO₂/18-crown-6, silver salts such asAgNO₃ or Ag₂O, or oxidants such perbenzoic acid. A particularlypreferred process comprises contacting the compound of formula (1) with5 molar equivalents of KOH in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide solventat a temperature of, for example, about 50° C.

Alternatively, hydroxylation may be achieved by first displacing thehalogen with a leaving group such as acetate, triflate or sulphateoptionally in the presence of a silver salt, then displacing the leavinggroup with a hydroxide source. A particularly preferred processcomprises contacting the compound of formula (1) with 3 molarequivalents of NaOAc in the presence of dimethylformamide solvent andtetra-n-butylammonium chloride at a temperature of, for example, about100° C., isolating the acetyl compound and contacting with potassiumcarbonate in the presence of methanol solvent and at a temperature of,for example, about 0° C.

Oxidation of compounds of formula (2) can be achieved using oxidationsystems known in the art for the oxidation of alcohols, especially thoseknown in the art for the oxidation of primary alcohols. Examples includeoxidation with Dess-Martin periodinane, bromine, Swern oxidation orvarious metal based oxidations such as Fetizon reagent, manganate basedreagents, and chromate based reagents such as Collins reagent. Swernoxidation is preferred. When Swern oxidation is employed, preferredconditions comprise the use of dimethyl sulphoxide and oxalyl chlorideor bromine in a solvent such as dichloromethane or dichlormethane/THFmixtures, at reduced temperature, such as from 0 to −100° C., preferably−50 to −80° C. Preferably, reagents are added at reduced temperature,such as −30 to −80° C., and then once all reagents are added, thereaction mixture is allowed to warm to 15 to 20° C.

The coupling of the compound of formula (3) with the compound of formula(4) may employ conditions analogous to those given in Bull. Chem. Soc.Japan 1995, 68, 364-372, Tet. Lett. 1992, 33(49), 7525-75226,Tetrahedron 1997, 53(31) 10659-10670 and WO01/85702. The conditionspreferably comprise reacting the compounds of formula (3) and (4) in ahydrocarbon solvent, such as THF, toluene or cyclohexane, or mixturesthereof, optionally in the presence of a base, followed by contact withaqueous acid, such as aqueous HCl.

Alkyl, aryl, alkoxy or aryloxy groups which may be represented by R¹¹and R¹² include C₁₋₆alkyl groups, such as methyl and ethyl groups,C₆₋₁₂aryl groups, such phenyl, tolyl or naphthyl, C₁₋₆alkoy groups, suchas ethoxy groups, and C₆₋₁₂aryloxy groups such as phenoxy groups.

Anions which may be represented by X include halide.

Z preferably is P(═O)R¹¹R¹² where R⁷ and R⁸ each independently is analkyl, aryl, alkoxy or aryloxy group, preferably a phenyl group.

When W represents OP², the protecting group may be removed to form ahydroxy group by methods known in the art for the removal of the givenprotecting group. For example, silyl protecting groups may be removed bycontact with a source of fluoride ion, such as tetrabutylammoniumfluoride.

Oxidation of compounds formed by deprotection of compounds wherein Wrepresents —OP² may employ conditions known in the art for the oxidationof pyranols to pyranones, and include those given in “ComprehensiveOrganic Transformations”, R. C. Larock, 2^(nd) Ed (1999) p 1670,published by Wiley VCH, incorporated herein by reference. Preferredoxidation systems include Ag₂CO₃/Celite, especially Celite J2, bromineor Swern.

Ring opening of the compounds of formula (5), when W represent ═O orformula (6) may employ conditions known in the art for ring opening of apyranone. Preferably, the ring is opened by contact with a base, such assodium hydroxide. Conveniently, polar solvents are employed, for examplemethanol, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof.

Remaining protecting groups may be removed by methods known in the artfor the removal of the given protecting group. For example, silylprotecting groups may be removed by contact with a source of fluorideion, such as tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

It will also be recognised that compounds of formulae (2), (3) and (5)may also be subjected to oxidation (when W represents —OH) ordeprotection and oxidation (when W represents (—O-protecting group) toform the corresponding compound wherein W represents ═O.

Reduction of the compounds of formula (5), (6) or (7) may employconditions known in the art for the reduction of double bonds. Forexample, hydrogenation using hydrogen gas in the present of transitionmetals or transition metal catalysts such as hydrogen in the presence ofgroup VIII metal or metal catalyst, especially Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir or Ptmetals or metal based catalysts.

Preferred compounds of formula (1) are compounds of formula:

wherein W, P¹ and Y are as previously described.

Preferred compounds of formula (2) are compounds of formula:

wherein W and P¹ are as previously described.

Preferred compounds of formula (3) are compounds of formula:

wherein W and P¹ are as previously described.

Preferred compounds of formula (5) are of formula:

wherein R¹, R², W and P¹ are as previously described.

Preferred compounds of formula (6) are of formula:

wherein R¹ and R² are as previously described.

Preferred compounds of formula (7) are of formula:

wherein R¹ and R² are as previously described.

Compounds of formula (7) are advantageously converted topharmaceutically acceptable salts, especially their calcium salts.

Compounds of formula (4) are advantageously prepared by analogy to themethods given in Bull. Chem. Soc. Japan 1995, 68, 364-372, Tet. Lett.1992, 33(49), 7525-75226, Tetrahedron 1997, 53(31) 10659-10670,WO00/49014 and WO01/85702. Particularly preferred compounds of formula(4) are compounds of formula:

Compounds of formula (1) are advantageously prepared by enzyme catalysedcondensation of acetaldehyde and 2-haloacetaldehyde, for example usingthe method given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,749.

Compounds of formula (5) and (9) when W is OP² are further aspects ofthe present invention.

The invention is illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Chlorolactol methyl acetal((2S,4R)-2-(chloromethyl)-6-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol), a compoundof Formula 1 where Y=Cl, P¹=H and W=—OP², in which P²=Me

Crude chlorolactol (15 g) was dissolved in methanol (150 ml) and heatedto 40° C. for 2 hours in the presence of 0.1 ml sulphuric acid. Thesolvent was removed by rotary evaporation to afford the product as adark brown flowing oil. The product was dissolved in DCM and washed withsodium bicarbonate solution. The solvent was removed by rotaryevaporation to afford the product as a dark brown flowing oil, which waspurified by column chromatography (16.1 g) containing a mixture ofanomers m/z 179, 149 and 113; ¹H nmr CDCl₃ 3.6-3.7 (m 2H), 4.1 (m 1H),1.5-1.6 (m 2H), 4.0 (m 1H), 1.3-1.6 (m 2H), 4.9 (m 1H), 3.3 & 3.5 (s3H); ¹³C nmr CDCl₃ 32, 36, 45, 55&56, 64, 65, 94.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of O-benzyl-chlorolactol methyl acetal((2S,4R)-4-(benzyloxy)-2-(chloromethyl)-6-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran), acompound of Formula 1 where Y=Cl, P¹=Bn and W=—OP², in which P²=Me

Chlorolactol methyl acetal (1 g) was dissolved in THF (5 ml) and chargedto sodium hydride (0.33 g 60% in mineral oil) in THF (5 ml) at roomtemperature. Benzyl bromide (1.9 g) was added dropwise and the massheated to 80° C. for 2 hours. Methanol (2 ml) was added and the mass waspartitioned between DCM/water, and was then washed with water. Theorganic phase was dried and the solvent was removed by rotaryevaporation to afford an orange flowing oil (2.1 g), containing amixture of anomers containing a mixture of anomers. m/z 270; 238; 203;132; 91; ¹H nmr CDCl₃ 1.6-2.0 (m 4H), 3.4 & 3.5 (s 3H), 3.6 (m 2H), 3.8(m 1H), 4.0 (m 1H), 4.5 (m 2H), 4.7 (m 1H), 7.3-7.5 (m 5H); ¹³C nmrCDCl₃ 32&33, 46, 55&56, 58, 66, 74, 96&98, 128-131.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of Hydroxy-O-benzyl-lactol methyl acetal([(2R,4R)-4-(benzyloxy)-6-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl]methanol), acompound of Formula 2 where P¹=Bn and W=—OP², in which P²=Me

Preparation of the Acetate Intermediate:

To a 3-liter three necked round bottomed flask flushed with dry nitrogenthe O-benzyl-chlorolactol methyl acetal (30 g) was charged into dryN-methylpyrollidinone (756 mls). Anhydrous tetrabutylammonium acetate(102.57 g) was also charged to the solution. The reaction mixture wasthen heated at 100° C. for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was sampled atroutine intervals and directly analysed by tlc and gc/ms.

The black solution was then diluted with water (150 mls) and extractedwith ethyl acetate (3×1500 mls). The combined upper organic layer wasthen washed with water (3×1500 mls). The aqueous portion showed noproduct content at this point. The layers were then separated, dried,(Na₂SO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to yield a black flowing oil(31 g, 95%) containing a mixture of anomers. ¹H nmr CDCl₃1.4-1.8 (m 4H),2.0-2.1 (duplicate s, 3H), 3.4 & 3.5 (s 3H), 3.8 (m 1H), 4.0 (m 1H), 4.1(m 2H), 4.5 (m, 2H), 4.7-4.9 (m 1H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 5H); ¹³C nmr CDCl₃20.8; 30-35; 55&56; 57&64; 66&68; 69&72; 70&71; 98&99; 127-128 & 138;170.5; m/z 293, 262, 221, 203, 156, 91 and 43.

Preparation of the Alcohol from the Acetate Intermediate:

To a 50 mls three necked round bottomed flask flushed with dry nitrogenthe O-benzyl-chlorolactol methyl acetal acetate (2 g) was charged intodry methanol (10 mls) containing anhydrous potassium carbonate (1 g).The resultant suspension was stirred at 20° C. for 30 minutes. G.C./M.S.showed complete conversion of acetate to alcohol. The solid was filteredoff and the solvent removed in vacuo to yield a brown flowing oilcontaining a mixture of anomers (1.6 g, 93%). ¹H nmr CDCl₃ 1.4-1.8 (m4H), 3.4 & 3.5 (s 3H), 3.8 (m 1H), 3.9 (m 1H), 4.0 (m 2H), 4.5 (m 2H),4.7-4.9 (m 1H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 5H); ¹³C nmr CDCl₃ 30-38; 55&56; 65&66;65&69; 70&71; 72&73; 99&100; 128 & 140; m/z 252, 221, 189, 163, 114 and91.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of formyl-O-benzyl-lactol methyl acetal(2S,4R)-4-(benzyloxy)-6-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carbaldehyde acompound of Formula 3 where P¹=Bn and W=—OP², in which P²=Me

Dess-Martin periodinane reagent (1.91 g) in dichloromethane (50 mls) wascharged to a 1000 mls round bottomed flask purged with dry nitrogen. Thehydroxy-O-benzyl-lactol methyl acetal (1.0 g) was dissolved indichloromethane (50 mls) and added to the Dess-Martin periodinanereagent at 20° C. The reaction mixture was then stirred at roomtemperature for 30 minutes. The reaction was monitored by tlc. Thereaction mixture was then diluted with diethyl ether (500 mls) toprecipitate the excess reagent. The suspension was then washed with 10%aqueous sodium hydroxide (200 mls). The upper organic layer was thenwashed with water (250 mls). The upper organic layer was then separated,dried (Na₂SO₄) and the solvent removed in vacuo to yield a dark flowingoil as a mixture of anomers (0.8 g).

¹H nmr CDCl₃ 1.6-1.9 (m 4H), 3.3 & 3.5 (s 3H), 3.7 (m 1H), 3.8 (m 1H),4.4 (m 2H), 4.7-4.9 (m 1H), 7.2-8.1 (m, 5H), 9.6-9.7 (2×s, 1H).

¹³C nmr CDCl₃ 30-38; 55&56; 65&66; 65&69; 70&71; 99&100; 128 & 140; 201.

m/z 250, 221, 189, 163, 143, 117 and 91.

Alternatively, a Swern oxidation can be carried out as illustrated bythe following example:

A stirred solution of oxalyl chloride (0.037 cm³, 0.44 mmol) indichloromethane (4 cm³) under nitrogen was cooled to −78° C. and DMSOwas added in one portion. A solution of the alcohol (100 mg, 0.40 mmol)in dichloromethane (1 cm³) was added to the reaction mixture and thereaction mixture stirred at −78° C. for 5 min. Triethylamine (0.272 cm³,19.8 mmol) was added and the resulting solution was stirred at −78° C.for 25 min and used immediately without isolation or purification. Tlcr_(f) 0.40 ethyl acetate:hexane (1:1) orange spot with2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine stain

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of a Compound of Formula 5 where P¹=Bz and W=—OP²,in which P²=Me

The compound of Formula 5 may be obtained by first dissolving 0.21 g ofthe compound of formula 4 wherein Z═PO(Ph)₂ in 10 ml dry THF, cooling to−60° C. and then adding 0.2 ml of a 2M solution of sodiumhexamethyldisilazide. After 20 min, a solution of 0.1 gformyl-O-benzyl-lactol methyl acetal in 10 ml dry THF at −30° C. isadded. The reaction mixture is then maintained at this temperature for 8hours and monitored by tlc. The reaction mixture is allowed to slowlywarm up to 20° C. Glacial acetic (5 mls) acid is then charged to quenchthe reaction. Water (5 mls) is also charged to the mixture. The solventis then removed in vacuo and reconstituted with toluene (15 mls) andwater (15 mls). The upper organic layer is then separated and theaqueous layer is then washed with ethyl acetate (15 mls). The combinedorganics are then dried and the solvent removed in vacuo to yield an oilcontaining a mixture of isomers, that can be purified by chromatography.

Example 5a, R is

wherein R¹ represents hydrogen, a protecting group or a C₁₋₆ alkylgroup; and R² represents a —C(O)CH(Me)CH₂CH₃ or —C(O)C(Me)₂CH₂CH₃ group.Example 5b, R is

wherein R³ represents a —C(O)CH(Me)CH₂CH₃ or —C(O)C(Me)₂CH₂CH₃ group.Example 5c, R is

wherein R⁴ represents a 4-fluorophenyl group; and R⁵ a C₁₋₆ alkyl group,and more preferably a cyclopropyl group.Example 5d, R is

wherein R⁶ represents a 4-fluorophenyl group; and R⁷ represents a C₁₋₆alkyl group, and more preferably an isopropyl group.Example 5e, R is

wherein R⁸ represents a methyltetrazoyl group; R⁹ represents a4-fluorophenyl group; and R¹⁰ a 4-fluorophenyl group.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of a Compound of Formula 5 where P¹=H and W=—OP²,in which P²=Me

The substituted-ethenyl-OH-lactol methyl acetal may be obtained byreaction of the substituted-ethenyl-O-benzyl-lactol methyl acetal ofExample 5(a-e) with TMSI.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of a Compound of Formula 5 where P¹=H and W=—OP²,in which P²=H

The substituted-ethenyl-OH-lactol may be obtained by treatment of thesubstituted-ethenyl-OH-lactol methyl acetal of Example 6(a-e) with 0.1;N HCl in methanol.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of Lactone, a Compound of Formula 6 where P¹=H

The lactone may be obtained by adding the substituted-ethenyl-OH-lactolof Example 7(a-e) (35 mg, 0.065 mmol) in dichloromethane (0.5 ml) toDess-Martin periodinane (30 mg, 0.07 mmol) and stirring at roomtemperature for 2.5 hours. The reaction is partitioned between 1M sodiumhydroxide and diethyl ether. The phases are then separated and theorganic volume reduced in vacuo to afford the crude product oil.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Hydroxy-Acid (Hydrolysis of Lactone), aCompound of Formula 7

The lactone of Example 8(a-e) (1.1 g) may be ring opened by dissolvingin ethanol (10 ml), addition of water (2 ml) and Ca(OH)₂ (0.15 g) andwarming the suspension to 60° C. for 3 hours. A further 10 ml of warmwater is added, before the mixture is allowed to cool slowly to roomtemperature. The precipitate formed is filtered and dried to give thecalcium salt of the hydroxy-acid. The material was identical to anauthentic sample by mixed melting point, NMR and mass spectrometry.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A process for the preparation of a compoundof formula (7):

wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl or aryl group or anycombination thereof, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclicgroup; provided that R is not a compound of Formula (a):

wherein R^(a) is an alkyl group; R^(b) is an aryl group; R^(c) ishydrogen, a protecting group or an alkyl group; and R^(d) is hydrogen, aprotecting group or a SO₂R^(e) group, where R^(e) is an alkyl group,which comprises: a) hydroxylating a compound of formula (1):

wherein Y is a halo group, P¹ is hydrogen or a protecting group, and Wis —OP², in which P² represents hydrogen or a protecting group, to givea compound of formula (2):

b) oxidizing the compound of formula (2) to provide a compound offormula (3):

wherein W represents —OP² or ═O, c) the process further comprisingforming a compound of formula (2) or (3) in which W represents ═O by:oxidizing a compound of formula (2) or (3) wherein P² is hydrogen; ordeprotecting and oxidizing a compound of formula (2) or (3) wherein P²is a protecting group; d) coupling the compound of formula (3) wherein Wrepresents ═O with a compound of formula (4):

wherein Z is (PR¹¹R¹²)⁺X⁻ or P(═O)R¹¹R¹², wherein X is an anion and R¹¹and R¹² each independently is an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy or aryloxy group,to give a compound of formula (5) wherein W represents ═O:

and e) subjecting the compound of formula (5) to ring-opening, removalof any P¹ protecting groups, and optionally removing any additionalprotecting groups to provide a compound of formula (7).
 2. The processof claim 1 wherein Y is Cl or Br.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein Ris selected from:

and wherein R¹ is a hydrogen, a protecting group or a substituted orunsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; R² is a an optionally substituted acylgroup; R³ is an optionally substituted acyl group; R⁴ is a substitutedor unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstitutedhydrocarbyl group; R⁶ is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbylgroup; R⁷ is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; R⁸ is asubstituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group, or substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic group; R⁹ is a substituted or unsubstitutedhydrocarbyl group; R¹⁰ is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbylgroup.
 4. The process of claim 3, wherein R¹ is an alkyl group and/or R²is an alkanoyl group.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein R¹ is a C₁₋₆alkyl group and/or R² is a C₁₋₈ alkanoyl group.
 6. The process of claim5, wherein R² is a —C(O)CH(Me)CH₂CH₃ or —C(O)C(Me)₂CH₂CH₃ group.
 7. Theprocess of claim 3, wherein R³ is an alkanoyl group.
 8. The process ofclaim 7, wherein R³ is a C₁₋₈ alkanoyl group.
 9. The process of claim 7,wherein R³ is a —C(O)CH(Me)CH₂CH₃ or a —, C(O)C(Me)₂CH₂CH₃ group. 10.The process of claim 3, wherein R⁴ is a substituted or unsubstitutedaryl group and/or R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group. 11.The process of claim 10, wherein R⁴ is a 4-fluorophenyl group and/or R⁵is a cyclopropyl group.
 12. The process of claim 3, wherein R⁶ is asubstituted or unsubstituted aryl group and/or R⁷ is a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein R⁶ is a4-fluorophenyl group and/or R⁷ is an isopropyl group.
 14. The process ofclaim 3, wherein R⁸ is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or asubstituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group; R⁹ is asubstituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and/or R¹⁰ is a substituted orunsubstituted aryl group.
 15. The process of claim 14, wherein R⁸ is amethyltetrazoyl group; R⁹ is a 4-fluorophenyl group; and/or R¹⁰ is a4-fluorophenyl group.
 16. The process of claim 3, wherein Y is Cl or Br.17. The process of claim 1, wherein the process further comprisesforming a compound of formula (2) in which W represents ═O by: oxidisinga compound of formula (2) when W is OP² and P² is hydrogen; ordeprotecting and oxidising a compound of formula (2) when W is OP² andP² is a protecting group.
 18. The process of claim 1, wherein theprocess further comprises forming a compound of formula (3) wherein Wrepresents ═O by: oxidising a compound of formula (3) when W is —OP² andP² is hydrogen; or deprotecting and oxidising a compound of formula (3)when W is —OP² and P² is a protecting group.